Last Wednesday (4 February), a network of civil society organizations marched from the Democracy Monument to call for people to vote in favour of a new constitution. The march ended at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), where representatives of political parties gave speeches supporting drafting a new constitution, followed by speeches from civil society groups participating in the campaign.
Activists and members of the public participated in the march, during which they also handed out pamphlets about the referendum and the issues with the 2017 Constitution. Politicians from the People’s Party and Pheu Thai Party also participated in the march.
As the march reached Yot Se Bridge, they met with a group of kayakers who are showing support for the campaign by rowing down Phadung Krung Kasem Canal with a sign saying they are voting in favour of a people’s constitution. Among the kayakers was Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, legal scholar and lecturer at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Law.
The 8 February referendum will be the first time in history that Thai voters are asked whether they want a new constitution. For many, a vote in favour of a new constitution is the key that would open the door to change, but a vote against would mean it becomes virtually impossible to change the 2017 Constitution, written by a junta-backed committee and seen as deeply flawed.
Prachatai English is an independent, non-profit news outlet committed to covering underreported issues in Thailand, especially about democratization and human rights, despite pressure from the authorities. Your support will ensure that we stay a professional media source and be able to meet the challenges and deliver in-depth reporting.
• Simple steps to support Prachatai English
1. Bank donation via the "Foundation for Community Educational Media (FCEM)", Krungthai Bank, account number 091-010-4328, Swift Code: KRTHTHBK
2. Or, Transfer money via Paypal, to e-mail address: [email protected], please leave a comment on the transaction as “For Prachatai English”